In a surprising revelation, UFC President Dana White has shared insights about the early days of the UFC and the involvement of Shane McMahon, son of WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, in a potential buyout of the mixed martial arts organization. This disclosure highlights the intricate relationship between two of the biggest names in sports entertainment, UFC and WWE, which now operate under the TKO Holdings Company umbrella.
During a recent episode of the podcast "What’s Your Story?" hosted by Stephanie McMahon, Dana White discussed how Shane McMahon had big dreams for the UFC when it was still in its infancy. According to White, Shane saw immense potential in the organization, considering a buyout during its formative years. However, Vince McMahon was opposed to the idea, primarily due to the perceived risks associated with the sport. White recounted, "Basically, there was this rumor out there, that your brother wanted to buy the UFC. He thought it could be big — and your father didn’t believe in it. And your father wouldn’t do it."
Stephanie McMahon confirmed her brother's passion for UFC, chuckling as she remarked that Shane had always been a huge fan of mixed martial arts. She humorously noted that she was often the target of his "many violent experiments," alluding to his enthusiasm for the sport.
In another twist, Dana White also recounted a significant moment in UFC's history when the organization was on the verge of securing a major television deal with NBC to air "The Ultimate Fighter" on the USA Network. This deal was crucial for UFC's visibility and growth, as it would have provided a substantial platform for the organization to reach a larger audience.
White explained the circumstances leading up to the deal, stating, "I don’t remember where we were - so I’m on the one-yard line. We’re about to get a deal done with NBC. One of my big deal points was, the Ultimate Fighter had to be on USA. So we’re literally in New York for days hammering it out with all the executives over there." After extensive negotiations, NBC executives finally agreed to the terms. However, the excitement was short-lived. The next day, NBC executives delivered shocking news: Vince McMahon had a clause in his contract that allowed him to veto any other combat sports program from airing on the USA Network.
White expressed disbelief at this revelation, asking, "How is that even possible?" Determined to salvage the deal, White and co-owner Lorenzo Fertitta decided to meet with Vince McMahon directly at WWE headquarters in Connecticut. They hoped to persuade him to allow the UFC to broadcast on the network.
Upon meeting with McMahon, White and Fertitta laid out their case, but McMahon remained unmoved. White recalled, "We’re like, ‘Why?’ He said, ‘Eh, I just don’t want it.’ So that blew up the whole NBC deal." This refusal not only affected the UFC's immediate plans but also shaped the trajectory of both organizations in the years that followed.
Fast forward to today, the landscape has dramatically changed. In 2023, the UFC and WWE merged to form TKO Holdings Company, a partnership that has unified two of the most significant entities in sports entertainment. This merger signifies a new era where the lines between wrestling and mixed martial arts continue to blur, benefiting both brands.
The relationship between Vince McMahon and Dana White has evolved over the years, from fierce competitors to partners under the TKO banner. As the UFC continues to grow in popularity, the collaboration with WWE opens up new avenues for cross-promotion and fan engagement.
Despite the past tensions, both organizations have found a way to coexist and thrive in the competitive sports entertainment industry. The merger has been seen as a strategic move to capitalize on the strengths of both brands, combining the high-octane action of UFC with the entertainment value of WWE.
As the sports landscape continues to evolve, fans are left to wonder what the future holds for UFC and WWE under TKO Holdings. With both organizations now working together, there are endless possibilities for innovative programming and events that could redefine the way fans experience combat sports.
In conclusion, the intertwined histories of UFC and WWE showcase the complexities of the sports entertainment industry. Dana White’s recent revelations about Shane McMahon's early interest in the UFC and Vince McMahon's pivotal role in blocking a crucial television deal highlight the competitive nature of the business. However, with the merger now in place, the future looks promising for fans of both sports as they anticipate new and exciting developments from the unified entity.
